Preventative Tips

Flu-like Symptoms:
The flu is typically distinguished from a cold or allergies by a fever of 100^◦ F or higher. Symptoms may also include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, and unusual fatigue. Some patients have experienced nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.

Click on the link for information about what to do if you get sick:
www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm

What You Can Do To Stay Healthy

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to practice the same kind of hygiene that is recommended every year during flu season:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs are spread this way. 
• Try to avoid close contact with people who appear to be ill and ask people that are ill to seek medical assistance. 
• Frequently clean your living space. People living and working together in close proximity should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, telephones, and countertops.
  

Get Vaccinated

• Vaccinations for Seasonal Flu will be available to all students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, September 30, for $25.00 thru the Union County Health Department.
• The vaccine for the H1N1 Influenza virus will not be available until mid to late October. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the H1N1 Influenza virus. 
• Students and employees in the high risk category are encouraged to consult with their personal physicians or Health & Wellness Services on campus for additional guidance.
  
• • People at high risk for flu complications who become ill with flu-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications can often prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
    
  • Groups that are at higher risk of complications from flu if they get sick include:
    
  • • children younger than age 5;
      
    • people age 65 or older;
      
    • children and adolescents (younger than age 18) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye’s syndrome after flu virus infection;
      
    • pregnant women;
      
    • adults and children who have asthma, other chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes;
      
    • and adults and children with immunosuppressant (including immunosuppressant caused by medications or by HIV).
      
  • People age 65 and older, however, appear to be at lower risk of 2009 H1N1 infection compared to younger people. But, if older adults do get sick from flu, they are at increased risk of having a severe illness.

All members of the Young Harris College community who experience influenza-like symptoms are encouraged to immediately contact Linda Kniess, RN, in YHC's Health and Wellness Services at (706) 379-5160 or lkniess@yhc.edu so that we can help you obtain appropriate medical care in the local community and so that an emerging outbreak can be identified and appropriate actions taken.